Archive for September, 2014

Before the last election, Tony Abbott promised “no cuts to the ABC”, but the cuts are coming: perhaps ten per cent of the ABC’s budget is in jeopardy. It’s certain that in response, the Board is contemplating cuts to the ABC’s current affairs coverage. Lateline could be axed, and some news coverage could be halved. Yet, as Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has himself said many times, with the business models of commercial media in crisis, Australian democracy needs ABC news and current affairs programs now more than ever.

The demise of Lateline could be just the beginning. The ABC’s Friday 7.30 programs, which consistently break important local and state-based stories, could also go. So too could radio current affairs programs on ABC Local Radio and specialist programs on Radio National.

Decisions are expected as soon as this Wednesday – so we need to act now. Will you sign my petition?

Sean has worked for the ABC in the Pacific since the early 1970s as PNG Correspondent then on Radio Australia before moving to the Australia Network. Sean is one of the many long-serving ABC personnel lost to us when the current government axed the Australia Network, costing the national broadcaster over a 1000 years of cumulative journalistic experience.

Join us in hearing about his experiences with the ABC and his thoughts on the current challenges faced by everyone’s favourite Auntie.

Like this:

ABC Friends Qld rallied as part of the contingent opposing the Abbott Government’s attacks on essential services including the national broadcaster.

Along with the loss of $120 million over the next four years, the axing of the Australia Network and 8o staff with it, the ABC faces a return to blatantly politicised board appointments. The government has appointed right-wing commentator Janet Albrechtsen and prolific critic of the ABC, Neil Brown to the panel which reviews Board appointments for the ABC.